Book Review: Fight Like A Girl by Megan Seely

I recommend this book as a good feminist primer for any age group. It has been marketed as a Third Wave manifesto and delivers a well-rounded view of feminism in a remarkably non-judgemental manner.

I got quite a bit out of the book, even if it was just reinforcing ideas I’ve heard before. My view of feminism’s history is somewhat spotty and this book gave a great summary among its many resources. It helped put feminism in context.

The book gives a generic view on feminism on issues such as reproductive rights, activism, the various waves and everything else you would expect. At the end of each chapter there is a list of resources which includes blogs, websites, newspapers, magazines and books. Seely is articulate but lacks the bite I’ve come to expect from my favourite feminist writers. Unfortunately, she occasionally veers towards friendly feminism in an effect to make the book more accessible to a non-feminist audience.

Seely also touches upon the spectacle of older feminists throwing up their arms and crying “Where have all the young feminists gone?” Yes, we exist and yes, we will continue the struggle.

The book is very US-centric, which will probably irritate some readers. Other than that it didn’t have a lot of flaws. If any spinster aunts need presents and don’t want to start with the S.C.U.M Manifesto, this could be what you’re looking for.